Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The agreement had been fragile from the start.

A deal done between beasts, a settlement meant to decrease death on both sides, to cull the unmedigated slaughter and chaos that both inflicted on the other. Though the dragons had been resistant to the deal, they ultimately agreed upon it when it became clear that their smaller numbers would dwindle out before they could exterminate humans. One living dragon left wouldn't be able to recuperate like a dozen humans would. So they had agreed to the settlement, laying a tentative treaty of peace between kinds, if only to lessen their kind's blood that was spilled.

That treaty had been tested from the start.

Promptly, from the dragons’ side, Pure Vanilla had offered himself up, determined to show good faith and prevent any dragons from being stuck in a relationship that they wouldn't want, as he was now bound to be. Kinder and more patient than most as he was, dragons had expected that Pure Vanilla's offering would lead to humans returning the sentiment, granting mayhaps a respected leader or someone with the same kindness. Instead, the offering had been met with the offered hand of a disgruntled scholar, more jester than intellectual at that point, pushed into claws with muted laughs and hidden grins.

Pure Vanilla, hoping to keep peace, had accepted, even when the quiet whispers of his friends counseled outrage and protest. The offered, Shadow Milk, had taken one glance at him before promptly turning his nose up and huffing, turning his back to him and all his counsel, missing the way all dragons bristled and hissed at the clear sign of disrespect. Pure Vanilla only gently smiled, patient and peaceful as ever, expressing that he understood such a drastic change would take time to get accustomed to, and that he would accept someone else's hand if Shadow Milk was unwilling.

The humans giggled behind palms and whispered, amusement thick in their air as Shadow Milk ever so subtly glanced at him, a spark of intrigue at such a reaction before waving it off, a hand on his hip as he dramatically groaned and accepted the proposal of marriage, spouting off about how he'd be the selfless type that would integrate himself into the beasts’ world. Pure Vanilla could only offer a stunted chuckle as all his friends and counsel hissed and whispered, more than ready to end the tentative treaty to put humans into their place, no matter the cost. But he only raised a hand and asked for their calm before telling Shadow Milk of the date their wedding shall be settled as, sometime soon but not too soon, if only to give time for preparations.

The preparations were a blur in themselves. Rushing to get everything ready and deal with the accommodations they would need took up all his time, his uncooperative bride more than happy to spend his time instead making outrageous demands, asking for the rarest of flowers and the most horrendous of colors. Pure Vanilla's gentle acceptance of any requests left him sour and disgruntled, quickly brushing off the previous requests in an attempt to one up himself with the next, only maddening when Pure Vanilla rushed to attend to the wishes, frown permanent on his face when the draconic groom went out of his way to fulfill them.

By the fifteenth request of switching colors and themes, Shadow Milk had angrily screamed, tossing all the elements on the table off of it as he complained that he didn't want a wedding at all. Pure Vanilla, though happy to fulfill most requests, had to stand his ground that such a thing would not be possible, reiterating how this was a sign of peace between their people. Shadow Milk had only glared before stepping on his tail from under the table, the quiet huff it pulled from him making the jester preen a bit before scoffing, chair scraping as he stood up. Pure Vanilla was to be in charge of the wedding then. Shadow Milk would only be present and he would be certain to make it difficult. His fiancé accepted the challenge wholeheartedly.

The ceremony was traditional. He settled on something more human, more whites, in a large church, decorations flowy and delicate. His counsel protested, asking him to adapt to their traditions, to bring it to their luxurious caves and builds but Pure Vanilla was firm on his choice, wanting for his fiancé to be as comfortable as possible on their wedding day.

Shadow Milk was a whole other challenge. The dragons that were to help him get ready (the humans did not send maids or servants, leaving the dragons to deal with it, the human consul smiling behind polite facades as the disgruntled scholar was no longer their problem) struggled greatly, not allowed to manhandle or force as Shadow Milk fought tooth and nail, almost ripping his own garments in his attempts to be difficult.

Pure Vanilla broke the tradition that day, being the one to coerce and handle Shadow Milk into being proper, spells used to avoid damage in the battlefield being needed to prevent Shadow Milk from undoing his look. He remained gentle even as Shadow Milk clawed and bit, leaving the faintest of traces in scales, hidden beneath well done robes.

The ceremony was rather rushed, vows spoken and words promised even as blue fingers dug into flat palms, I dos whispered between clenched teeth and glares until Pure Vanilla leaned down and kissed the ring, unwilling to make Shadow Milk force a kiss with him even in such circumstances. Though the dragon side glared and hissed at the display, amenity was kept as it ended. The humans chose to make themselves scarce quickly, only 4 staying to briefly speak to Shadow Milk before they too were leaving, freeing Shadow Milk to join the dragon festivities.

Though not a wedding made by choice, the dragons still chose to celebrate it as if, unwilling to let the conditions of the union stop Pure Vanilla from getting his rightful celebrations. The feast right after the wedding was glorious, table lined with more food and drinks than they could handle, soft meats and rich wines being passed around freely, laughter and conversation flowing in the air naturally.

At the head of the table sat the newly weds, Pure Vanilla happily conversing with the friends that surrounded him as Shadow Milk glared and drank wine far richer than he'd had before, the alcohol drying his tongue and melting his brain as he indulged himself. Pure Vanilla had indulged in a glass or two but he seemed intent on staying sober, a hand always near Shadow Milk, always attempting to discourage he indulge in more wine before it was quickly ignored, the glass filled fuller and fuller each time until the human was laid on the table, forehead against the cool wood as the tinted windows around them spun and twisted, until he could no longer tell beast from dragon. Pure Vanilla had attempted the first contact of the night then, a hand on the shoulder as he lowered himself to his wife's ear level.

“Perhaps we should turn in for the night. You seem like you've had enough of the celebrations.” His voice was gentle, attempting to coax the glass from the brittle hand before it was tugged away, Shadow Milk clinging to the wine as a baby does to a bottle, glaring as he pulled himself out of the grip as well as he could.

“I'll tell you when I've had enough.” He glared and argued even as his vision doubled, eyes flitting between the two husbands he now seemingly possessed. The dragon only frowned, extending a palm, asking for the glass as he looked him over.

“You are quite drunk. I do not think you should stay here. The celebration can get quite loud and rowdy. I truly believe it better for you if you were to turn in.” His offer this time was met with a clumsy kick, Shadow Milk almost toppling out of the chair as he held his glass out of reach, too drunk to notice the way wine spilled over the rim and onto his hands, staining the carpet below. Pure Vanilla barely had time to grab him by the ankle to avoid him falling on his head, easily being able to pull him until Shadow Milk sat upside down in the chair, robes barely covering above the thigh as he groaned and threw his glass, smashing it against the wall, barely receiving glances from the other dragons as his husband gently coaxed him upright. “You'll vomit soon enough if you keep this up. Allow me to escort you to our chambers.”

“So you and I can seal the deal? You trying to knock me up while I'm drunk, beast?” Shadow Milk mocked even as he allowed himself to be handled into a proper sitting position, at some point leaning into Pure Vanilla for support as he laughed at his own mockery, too dizzy to think more. The dragon simply sighed and encouraged him to hold onto his robes, pulling him up unto his lap until Shadow Milk settled, curled up and leaning against his shoulder as he grumbled and complained under his breath, compliant enough in this state.

Pure Vanilla simply returned to conversation, indulging in the rich food until he felt he had enough. By the time he was done and the party wished to move to the outside, to indulge in their larger forms and bring fresh air to the celebrations, Pure Vanilla was cradling his spouse, rather shy at holding the now sleeping human, unused to such displays in public. One of his friends not so subtly encouraged him to ditch Shadow Milk inside and leave him to rest while they partied. He took a few more persuasions before finally giving in, the guests trickling to the outside as he sat Shadow Milk down on his chair, pulling his thick wedding cape off to instead drape it over Shadow Milk's shoulders, assuring he would stay warm before finally allowing himself indulgence.

It was about an hour later, when the moon was highest in the sky and the dragons still buzzed and cheered outside, that Shadow Milk awoke, still tipsy and dizzy as he raised his head, groaning while looking around before huffing as he realized his solitude. Moving to push the chair back, he knocked the cape off his shoulders, looking down at it blearily in confusion before glaring as he realized what it was, clumsily pulling it off the chair until he could throw it away, the clothing crumbling less than a foot away from him into a pile. Satisfied with his self proclaimed victory, he stumbled onto his feet, suddenly very aware of how inebriated he still was as the ground spun and tilted.

Gathering what consciousness he still had, he dragged himself through the large room towards the smaller door that led to the innards of the castle, stumbling and stuttering in his steps until he could lean against the wall, dragging himself against it as he tried finding his way, suddenly very aware of the fact he had no clue where the chambers he had been staying in or even the new chambers were, his head throbbing in complaint of the thinking before he sighed and closed his eyes. Softly thumping his head against the wall, he hugged himself, attempting to self soothe for only a moment before opening his eyes back up, pulling himself away from the wall to properly walk around.

The turns at some point became all the same, sense of direction screwed as he drudged through halls that looked identical, doors upon doors lining walls and leading to rooms that he didn't recognize. Eventually the exhaustion of the alcohol and the throbbing in his head lead him to give up, sitting down with his back to a wall as he slid his hands into the opposite sleeves, hugging his knees and laying his forehead against them. Slowly, he felt himself doze off, too tired to think about where he was or if someone would find him.

It was almost sunrise when the party finally ended, dragons settling down and exhausting themselves as they all opted to turn in for the night, guests leaving to return to inns and Pure Vanilla's friends accompanying him back into the castle.

As soon as he stepped into the room that housed the start of the celebration, his blood froze, feeling his scales rise as he immediately noticed a lack of a body in his chair, his wedding robes tossed on the floor and the door leading into the castle slammed open, a quiet chill emanating from it as the breeze blew in through the window. His friends seemed unaware of the absence, simply laughing and talking between each other as they calmly walked to the door, ready to turn in for the night.

Pure Vanilla did not follow their lead, instead turning away from the halls that would lead to his and Shadow Milk's chambers as worry seized him. Had a dragon taken Shadow Milk? Had he tried to escape? Had he attempted leaving and instead got hurt badly? Any of the options would look bad on the peace treaty, destroying what was already tentative.

He rushed around a corner before stopping dead on his tracks, head tilting at the sight before him. Shadow Milk sat on the ground, peacefully sleeping against the wall as his hair cascaded around his form, pointed ears lowered in unalertness as he calmly snoozed. The dragon could only blink in surprise before approaching, crouching to be at his level as he observed him. Shadow Milk seemed much calmer in this state, relaxed, soothed, as if the rudeness and snark disappeared as soon as he fell asleep. Tentatively, Pure Vanilla reached a hand out, gently brushing the long hair back so he could see the sleeping face, tail gently swaying as he caught sight of the admittedly pretty face now in a state of relaxation, usually curled mouth now slightly open as Shadow Milk lightly drooled onto his own lap, eyebrows twitching at the contact before relaxing once again.

The dragon ever so gently pulled back, trying to cautiously shift his wife to allow him to be picked up before Shadow Milk groaned, head rolling to the side and pointed ears perking back up as heavy eyelids blinked open, the slitted pupils looking Pure Vanilla over in momentary confusion before he seemed to realize who it was, hands already reaching for the front of his robes as he closed his eyes again, voice rough.

“My head is killing me. Take me to a bed, for the love of the gods.” His husband hummed at the command, cradling him as he made his way to their room, watching Shadow Milk closely as he laid his cheek against Pure Vanilla's shoulder and went back to sleep, drooling out the corner of his mouth and snoring quietly. Pushing the door open with a foot, he walked over to the bed, being mindful as he lowered Shadow Milk onto the billowing sheets, until he was safely deposited amongst soft silks and goose feathers. The human barely made a sound at the movement, quickly settling in and sinking deeper, almost drowning in the comfort as he finally passed out fully, breathing almost inexistent in sound and body fully limp.

Pure Vanilla sighed in relief before starting to undress, ditching wedding robes for a simple nightshirt. With one last tired look, he pulled one of the pillows from the bed and placed it on the carpet, making sure it would fit him before laying down to sleep, easily dozing off after the day's events.

—

Shadow Milk woke up with a deep groan, head pounding as his eyelids fought not to open, unhappy with the light slipping into their room. With a bit more determination, he was able to open his eyes, stretching out on the gigantic bed as his muscles whined, joints creaking. Staring at the ceiling, he soon heard a quiet, rhythmic sound, taking only a moment to recognize it as snoring. Pushing himself up, he glared, headache raging as he wondered who would dare disturb his hangover with such noises.

They emerged from beyond the foot of the bed, causing him to raise a brow before dragging himself over, crawling on the exaggeratedly soft mattress until he could peek over the wood at the end of it, eyes immediately narrowing at the sight. His now husband was asleep on the floor, snoring almost imperceptably as he stretched out as far as he could on the carpet surrounding their bed, tail softly thumping every few seconds, probably from the discomfort of such a hard surface.

Shadow Milk afforded him a few more seconds of peace before grabbing several pillows, holding them over him before allowing them to drop, watching Pure Vanilla sit up with a start at the several soft impacts, milky eyes looking around in panic before spotting the shape of warmth watching over him, an easy if not small smile tugging his lips as he calmed down.

“Oh, good morning, Shadow Milk. Was there something you needed?” He kept his voice purposefully soft, aware of his wife's probable hangover as Shadow Milk scowled, grabbing another pillow to toss at Pure Vanilla in disdain.

“Soup. And something for my head. Now.” His tone was demanding and clipped, unworried with niceties as Pure Vanilla hummed, stretching his arms above his head and groaning in satisfaction as his bones and wings properly stretched. Standing up, he subtly stretched his legs, reaching for his staff as Shadow Milk watched from the bed with a glare.

“Of course. It will be but a moment.” He easily replied, giving Shadow Milk a reassuring smile before stepping out, unbothered with wearing his nightshirt out. His staff knew him well enough and he'd change after coming back.

Shadow Milk only glared after him, watching the dragon's back. He'd drag that niceness out of him by force if need be.

—

The days after that were much of the same, being allowed free reign around the castle and the freedom to do whatever he wished so long as it brought no harm.

In his quest to ruin his husband, Shadow Milk harmed instead books, furniture, art, seating, whatever he could get his hands on that wouldn't actually put him in trouble he couldn't use his privilege to get out of. But his husband never faltered, never punished, never fought. Instead he offered comforts, adaptations, compromises, whatever he could think of to make Shadow Milk happy, understanding his actions as the desperate pleas of someone who missed home.

By the sixth week, and the hundredth piece of ruined furniture, Shadow Milk was finally put under surveillance, not by Pure Vanilla's will, but rather by the staff's desperate pleas so they could stop replacing things. Being as kind as he was, Pure Vanilla listened, now asking for Shadow Milk to accompany him in his daily duties, still allowed to read and entertain himself during them so long as he didn't cause trouble.

Now watching Shadow Milk spill tea onto the floor before letting his cup fall and shatter too, Pure Vanilla realized his methods may have been too soft. Frowning from where he sat, Pure Vanilla reached out to tap the table to get his attention, the blue eyes lazily dragging up to look at him.

“Shadow Milk, please. I understand accidents but you continue to do such things on purpose.” Shadow Milk only rolled his eyes as his words, fingers sliding across the wood to grab the small saucer before his wrist was grabbed, hold tighter than usual as the dragon opened his eyes, milky colors meeting his eyes as Pure Vanilla tried a more forceful tone. “That is enough.”

Through the heat map, he could see Shadow Milk's temperature fluctuate as his lower half became a stronger red, hand lowering to his lap as he scowled and looked away.

“Fine, whatever. Just let me go.” Pure Vanilla considered it only for a moment before tugging him to his shock, dragging Shadow Milk unto his lap until he was sat with his back to Pure Vanilla's chest, legs held open by the dragon's as he huffed, hands holding him by the thighs.

(A quiet and muttered “Reject me at anytime” was muttered between movements, Shadow Milk acknowledging with the most ashamed of nods.)

“I will not. Your behavior is inconsiderate and rude towards the staff and I shall no longer avoid discouraging it. Being homesick or whatever reason you might have is not good enough to keep acting like this.” Clawed hands slid up his hips, talons slipping beneath elastic band until it could tug clothing down, navel now exposed as Shadow Milk shivered at the cold air.

“So what? Are you going to punish me for it?” He mocked, heart thrumming between his legs as the clothes were pulled down, until the elastic hugged his thighs and stopped climbing up, lower half now exposed as he shamefully dripped at the touches and reprimands.

“I ought to. Though I disagree with such methods, trying to redirect your energy and feelings doesn't seem to work, so I suppose drastic measures are necessary.” Tanned fingers slid down until the clawed hand cupped his mound, the heel of the palm applying sinful pressure to the top as he keened and staggered forward in an attempt to intensity it. He was instead met with the weakening of the pressure, the fingers slipping between his labia to spread him open with a maddening squelch, leaving his head spinning and light. The fingers were very carefully pressed in to the second knuckle until he was clenching, gently massaging at walls absentmindedly.

“But since I am a merciful ruler, I shall instead make this a lesson. Instead of being punished, every time you behave-” The fingers were more deeply pressed, until his hips were moving up and forward out of his accord, searching for friction as he was rightfully denied, the digits slipping back out as the other hand guided him by the waist to sit back down. “-I will reward you much like I am doing now. Misbehave, and I will not do anything to you for as many days as times you misbehave. Does that sound fair?” Shadow Milk shakily scoffed, holding onto forearms as he stared down at where the fingers disappeared into him, trembling as he forcefully stopped himself from grinding to try and find pleasure.

“Only one day per problem? You're insane if you think I'll be that desperate to seek you out.” His snark was punctuated by a loud squelch as Pure Vanilla fully pushed his fingers in, watching his wife arch his back, mouth dropping open as he lifted his hips, thrusting into the air. The dragon's lips curled into a smile, tail ever so gently thumping in delight as he hummed.

“We shall see.” He finally pulled his fingers out, feeling the waist underneath his other hand tremble as Shadow Milk chased them for only a second before forcing himself to still. Bringing the hand up to his mouth, he licked his fingers clean, humming at the sweet, condensed milk taste as he smiled. His wife stayed in position for only a moment more before jolting and pulling his pants back up in a haste, blood quickly warming the tips of his ears as he dragged himself off, rushing to get off the chair and out of the room as quickly as possible. Pure Vanilla simply watched the shape of him go before turning back to his papers with a small smile. Maybe this would help Shadow Milk gain a better attitude.

—

By the third day of acting out in rebellion, Shadow Milk was regretting it. He had kept up his acts, ruining another shelf of books and two more chairs, not being reprimanded properly and instead only being told “one more day added to the count” by his husband with a small smile.

He once again sat in their tub, freezing cold water bringing chills to his body as he once again pushed his own fingers in, thin digits barely filling him out as he attempted to press the spongy spot he could not reach, moaning in frustration and trembling as he remembered the fullness of only days prior. Grinding his hips down, he was left pitifully unsatisfied as he didn't reach quite as deep, messily pressing on his clit before deciding to once again give up, pulling his fingers out and groaning.

Pure Vanilla was once again calmly waiting outside as he read papers over on the chaise lounge near the balcony, looking up once Shadow Milk stepped out in a bathrobe, his eyes roaming him over before he smiled calmly, acting as if he knew of nothing.

“Another bath? Are you feeling sick?” His tone was playful, challenging Shadow Milk to lie as his ears burned, scowling and turning away to grab clothes.

“Shut up. I'm not going to behave because of your deal.” Pure Vanilla only chuckled quietly, going back to reading as Shadow Milk got dressed once again. He would not stoop so low.

—

He did in fact stoop so low. Watching the staff serve him food for the sixth day for dinner was mind numbing, wishing to entertain himself by throwing it at their feet and watching them being forced to clean it. Instead he grabbed his fork, stabbing at his food as the dragon opposite to him smiled, thanking the staff. Pure Vanilla gave him a knowing look as he glared daggers, shifting in his seat once again. The pressure caused by his own thighs brought forth another twitch, shifting to adjust once more as the dragon observed him, serene expression unmoving as he swallowed more of his food.

“Are you alright? You won't stop fidgeting.” His question was accompanied by a flash of sharp teeth, serpentine tongue dragging over canines and molars as Shadow Milk drooped his head to the side, glaring in despise.

“How is my fidgeting any of your business?” He glowered, Pure Vanilla laughing gently as he leaned his face upon a hand.

“You are my wife, are you not? I wish for you to be comfortable at all times.” He peeked from white lashes as Shadow Milk stabbed the chicken thigh in front of him, raising it as if to fling it over before instead moving to take a bite, gaze all but deadly as Pure Vanilla hummed. The small grin he wore spoke volumes as he tapped the table. “Good choice.”

His playful croon was met with the twitch of a hand, fingers ready to curl around a knife and attack before they instead curled on a lap, Shadow Milk's ears burning in humiliation at his own compliance. Were he not aware of his own disadvantage and the way all staff would be more than quick to tear into him over their favor for the king, he would actually risk death for a single stab. Though he grew favorable towards the king, it did not negate his wish to bite into his throat like a wild predator. Shadow Milk's favor was never much of a guarantee of his docility.

Finishing dinner was hell, the dragon opposite to him staring him down through all of it, watching in what seemed like genuine delight as Shadow Milk gritted through politeness and behaving, forcing the appearance of compliance even as his ears rang and his blood boiled over the want of revenge, of begging to destroy and ruin until none could enjoy anything around him. At some point, digging his nails into his own flesh was the only way he could stop himself, glare sharp and unrelenting as he walked ahead of Pure Vanilla. The king followed leisurely on the way to their bedroom, both on their way to turn in for the night, the quiet reprieve of the day settling as they were allowed to rest, not as king and bargaining piece, but as Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk.

He cared not for keeping appearance as he beelined for the bed, wanting to get back to one of the only interesting books he found he could read, before instead being interrupted, a tail wrapping around his waist and holding him back as Pure Vanilla glued chest to back, gingerly brushing dark hair behind pointed ears as he smiled.

“Join me for a bath?” His tone was gentle, smile softly sharp, corners dulled into kindness as Shadow Milk turned his head. Usually he would be quick to dismiss, more than ready to insult and complain, to insinuate perversion and disgust. Instead he tensely nodded, allowing himself to be guided step by step into the large bathroom.

He was left standing in the middle of the room as Pure Vanilla pulled away, dropping pretenses and games as he did his robes, no shame in exposing his nudity to his wife as he stepped into the water. The bath was something of a natural spring, water seeping through rock until it pooled, heated just low enough to not cause damage, meant to soothe and purify, draining tension and worry into mineral and stone. The basin of rock that housed it had been sculpted into something prettier, sharp edges dulled and cracked into elegant steps, into perfect, straight sides and angles, until it looked handmade in all senses. Were it not for the way Shadow Milk saw firsthand the way the castle was built into a mountain, dug in, like a cave where a dragon might hoard its treasure, he may have believed it to be made by someone very talented.

Sitting in the warm water, Pure Vanilla gave a long sigh of relief, shoulders relaxing and muscles unwinding as he allowed the warmth to seep into his bones, leaning back against the furthermost side as he allowed his eyes to open, watching Shadow Milk. He had his arms crossed over his chest, defensively hiding away curves and definitions as he simply stared, the tips of his ears gaining the faintest of colors as he raised his eyebrow in question, the dragon simply responding with a smile.

“Are you going to join?” He gestured to the wide space around him, tail flitting side to side in amusement as Shadow Milk tensed, fingers clenching at fabric before ever so slowly releasing, turning his body away from prying eyes as he huffed.

“Not if you're going to stare like a creep while I undress. Just because we're married doesn't mean you get a stripshow, beast.” His hiss was met with a pushed breath, Pure Vanilla simply smiling in amusement before acquiescing, turning around to face the wall as he lowered himself into the water, preoccupying himself with wetting his hair and face in the deeper part, even as it pooled around him like a halo. Shadow Milk only stared for a couple more seconds before finally disrobing, letting the loose fitting garments fall to the floor, kicking them away from the water before slowly approaching. This wouldn't be his first time indulging in the bath, but it would be the first shared with a spouse. Though used to sharing time in bathhouses with the four few he would consider acquaintances (friends truthfully, but something none would ever admit the group as being), undressing himself and sharing the water with someone who had intimately felt his insides felt somewhat more nervewracking.

Stepping into the water, he watched the dragon perk up at the movement, the top of his head barely peeking out of the water as he knelt in it and turned around, milky pupils raking over the blur of blue he could make out, using his regular impaired vision over his heat seeking one. Shadow Milk stood at the other end, feet away as he hugged his chest, legs almost crossed over one another in embarrassment as he kept his eyes down, the feeling of shyness reaching him in one of the rare moments he felt it. Stepping deeper into the water, he allowed it to rise to his hips, arms still tightly hiding himself as Pure Vanilla grinned, something softened into less smugness, more amusement.

“Why so shy? We are married after all.” His question was met with a splash, Shadow Milk pushing water in his direction with a scowl, stepping further into the depth until it reached his waist, arms now stubbornly at his side even as he minutely trembled, incapable of keeping his embarrassment down at being so exposed. Pure Vanilla took pity on him, rising in his kneel as he hummed, reaching back for a rag and soaps. Three bottles were grasped between fingers, softly clinking together as he brought them forward, holding it out until Shadow Milk stiffly reached out a hand for them, barely able to stretch his other hand in time to stop them from falling in as they were unceremoniously dropped into his hand, the dragon turning around and presenting his back to him. “Would you do me the honor of helping me bathe?”

“You don't know how to wash yourself?” Shadow Milk snided, even as he brought the bottles up to sniff at the scents, now familiar with what each one signified, searching for the one he could use to lather the hair.

“I do. I simply wish for my wife to assist me, is that too much to ask?” He was met with a scoff, Shadow Milk handing him two of the bottles and rag back before popping open the one remaining, easily pouring a significant amount onto the curtain of locks that Pure Vanilla called his hair.

“I'd say so. Don't I do enough for you already?” His question brought forth a chuckle, an acknowledgement that he did not in fact do almost anything. Pure Vanilla chose not to mention it.

“Of course you do. But I recognize my wife is kind enough to grant her husband simple pleasures such as this.” Shadow Milk huffed, not acknowledging the sentiment as he buried his nails between golden locks, starting to gently scrub and massage until a lather formed, occasionally scraping against the scalp in a way that had Pure Vanilla sighing between breaths. Gathering all the hair to clean, Shadow Milk rubbed and rolled gold between his fingers, until all strands gleamed with bubbles and foam.

“Close your mouth.” Was all the warning he granted the dragon before cupping water in his hands and dumping it over his head, a small streak of sadistic delight in his chest at the affronted gasp he made upon not being properly prepared for it, the bottles he held now being dropped on the water, floating and bobbing around them. Pure Vanilla turned to reprimand him before more water was dumped upon him, suds sliding down silken locks until it all sat flush, soap dissolving into the large bath as Pure Vanilla frowned, staring at his far too smug spouse.

“You are cruel.” The remark lacked bite, claws already sliding up to meet hips, Shadow Milk not even thinking of his own embarrassment as he grinned, hands coming down to rest on shoulders.

“I needed to rinse it out. I told you to close your mouth before doing it.” Pure Vanilla huffed, hands sliding to now enclose a waist as his frown became closer to a pout.

“You didn't give me time and you know it.” Shadow Milk shrugged in fake ignorance, looking away as if innocent.

“Maybe you just reacted too slow. Now turn around so I can condition it.” He gave him one last heatless stink eye before releasing him, grabbing the rag and bottles he had dropped, reaching back to offer one to Shadow Milk. He gingerly took it, dumping a lot onto Pure Vanilla's hair before starting to slide his hands through it, brushing through the locks with minimal care as he made sure all of it was conditioned, ready to repeat his cruelty before Pure Vanilla beat him to it, dunking his head into the water for only a moment, allowing the product to slide off his hair before gathering it between hands and squeezing the rest out, turning to smile as Shadow Milk narrowed his eyes.

“There. So you don't need to rinse it out yourself.” His face was pushed to face the wall once again, Shadow Milk scowling at his plans being disturbed.

“Yeah, yeah. Just shut up and hand me the last ones.” Pure Vanilla eagerly complied, letting Shadow Milk sud up the rag before he harshly started scrubbing Pure Vanilla's back, around the base of his wings, the dragon content to be scrubbed raw as Shadow Milk cleaned him, hands hesitating only for a second before he gently turned Pure Vanilla around, now facing each other as he very slowly started cleaning his chest, hands now minutely shaking as he stared down, avoiding Pure Vanilla's gaze. The dragon only smiled at the behavior, taking his wrist and guiding it until it rested over his heart, the heartbeat steady and strong.

Leaning forward, he gingerly placed a kiss on the forearm, waiting for rejection but being met with only silence. Granted the silent permission, he started trailing his kisses up, following the natural curve of the muscle until he reached clavicle, smiling against it as Shadow Milk shivered and burned, shoulders tinted and warmth crawling up his neck, unwilling to move as Pure Vanilla slid a hand to his waist, bringing him closer, now higher on his knees as he slowly kissed up the neck, enjoying feeling the rapid pulse beneath his lips as he hummed.

“I think… your recent behavior asks for a reward. Don't you agree, darling?” Pure Vanilla nipped at his jaw, Shadow Milk jumping at the sensation before nodding his head, now holding onto shoulders as he bit the inside of his cheek to hold back any noises. The dragon only smiled against his skin before gently urging him back, following after on his knees until Shadow Milk hit the back of the rim, legs shaky as Pure Vanilla gave one gentle push, making him sit down as he pulled away, smiling gently at the human. Shadow Milk trembled beneath his gaze, looking at him between heavy lids as he pushed his thighs together, hands grasping at smoothed stone.

The dragon's smile only widened, hand gently coaxing Shadow Milk on his back, claws then sliding down until he held thighs, gently urging them apart until he could settle between them, lowering himself to be face level with Shadow Milk's heat. His cunt already drooled beneath his gaze, legs shaking around his head as it clenched on nothing, the urge to hide himself away leading Shadow Milk to hide in the crook of his elbow. Pure Vanilla kissed the insides of his thighs, fangs gently gliding over soft skin until he could blow a breath over the soaked lips, watching Shadow Milk jump and squeeze at the sensation, bringing him amusement.

Deciding he should properly reward him, Pure Vanilla reached up, fingers gently coaxing the clit out of its hood before he lowered his mouth onto it, lips easily closing around the sensitive bud as his fingers slid lower, gently prodding at the entrance until he could push one of them in, accompanying it with suction to distract from any discomfort as Shadow Milk cried out, free hand lowering to grab onto golden locks as his legs locked around the head beneath him. Starting to move his finger in and out, the dragon lapped and toyed with the pearl in his mouth, delighting at the loud cry his wife allowed loose when he grabbed it between sharp teeth, only threatening with pain as he took the opportunity to slide another finger in, now pushing until the second knuckle with a squelch, Shadow Milk's wetness increasing as he squirmed and writhed at the sensation.

His other arm lowered from his face so he could properly grab at blonde locks, pulling the face as close as possible as he locked ankles behind Pure Vanilla's head, entrapping him as he pushed his hips into his mouth with fervor. His throat felt dry as his mouth remained open, cries and whines slipping out as Pure Vanilla nudged another finger in, pulling a wail of discomfort before Shadow Milk keened loudly as the violent pressure against his clit increased, tears starting to gather on lashes as he arched his back, stomach tensing. His husband only hummed against him, sending vibrations as he pushed his fingers in to the last knuckle, spreading them open and pressing against the spongy spot deep into Shadow Milk as he practically screamed. He was only given a few high pitched cries of warning before Shadow Milk was clenching around him, subtle wetness spilling around his fingers as a shudder rolled through the human, back arched so high it was unnatural. Pure Vanilla helped him to ride it out until his hair was pulled, Shadow Milk now crying in oversensitivity until all was pulled out, his husband pulling away while licking his lips, chin glistening with slick as he sat back, quick to lick his fingers clean.

Shadow Milk could only pant and blush at the debauchery, once again covering his eyes as Pure Vanilla gently pulled him into the bath, limbs limp as he let himself be guided into his lap, shivering and boneless as his husband kissed his cheek, smiling against him.

“Good job, Shadow Milk. You're such a good wife.” He could only sink into the embrace, too tired to bristle as he allowed himself to be cared for and doted on, until he found himself in bed, eyelids falling closed before he could process it.

—

The rewards went much the same way after that, a few days of misbehaving, before he stopped breaking rules for however many days he misbehaved, before being tended to and driven to mindlessness by Pure Vanilla.

It drove him crazy that Pure Vanilla never seeked him out outside of the rewards, never went further beyond his fingers and mouth, never indulged himself into Shadow Milk when rewarding him. It dug into a deep, buried sense of insecurity, of looking over his body in mirrors and wearing loose robes until he could not tell shape in the fabric. Of course he projected it away under layers of arrogance, of cruelty and of mockery. Ignoring the shame that rose when whispers of the loud noises leaving the king's chambers and baths were spoken of near him, as if he weren't even there. Ignored when they pointed out the king never seemed to make any noises during those times. He ignored the shameless rumors and conspiracies of who the king was bringing into his room, as if his wife was never an option he'd find appealing in the first place. Ignored even when Pure Vanilla's friends were so bold as to ask Pure Vanilla which lucky dragon or dragonness he had been enchanted by recently.

But it wore him down. Wore him until his cruelty and mockery were dulled, until his tantrums felt less satisfying, until being rebellious and misbehaving didn't curl pride and satisfaction between his ribs, but rather churned his meals around his stomach, until he had to bite back bile and drool. By then he had become docile - still snarky, still rude and sharp and prickly, still cradled between fingers, held in places where his thorns didn't cut - but no less dangerous. But he became well behaved, quietly dull and tamed back to his scholarly days, when he spent his days buried in books and scribbled paper, instead of ripping pages and carving his displeasure into wood.

It felt like the culmination of his behavior when he found himself in the garden, staring uneasily down at trowels and ruined flowers; new, bloomed ones sitting in a large wheelbarrow next to him. It had been an accident, a distracted misstep as he walked into fragile flowers instead of onto solid cobblestone. The incident had his chest heavy, something heavy and cold scratching at his heart and lungs as he bit his lip. For the first time in a while, he felt guilt weighing his stomach, stones bringing him down as he considered it only for a moment more before stepping into action.

Kneeling into the dirt, uncaring of the pristine robes he was ruining, he grabbed one of the trowels, pushing it into the compact dirt before forcing it out, repeating the process over and over until the ruined flowers lay dug out, laid onto the soft grass around the flower bed. Pulling at the wheelbarrow, he tipped it to the side carefully, allowing him access from his spot to the new flowers, brightly bloomed and intact, newly manicured nails cupping around dirt and soil until he filled the hole, brand new and grown flowers substituting the ones he had ruined, only spottable as out of place from the soft and wet soil that surrounded them, yet to settle into place. Shadow Milk let out a tired but relieved sigh as he finished, brushing his hands clean on his robes.

“What are you doing?” The sudden question had him jumping, turning around in surprise to stare at Pure Vanilla, the dragon looking over the situation with furrowed brows. Shadow Milk frowned, huffing as he calmed his heart down.

“Witches, don't sneak up on me like that.” He brushed himself off as he pushed himself up, brushing his hands off on the expensive robes as he sighed. “I was just planting some flowers. I was reading one of the books from the library and I accidentally stepped on them so I thought I should try and fix it. If they were some sort of rare or exotic flower, I'll put in the work to replace them accordingly.”

“And you've decided to do this by yourself?” Pure Vanilla seemed genuinely surprised as he questioned, looking over Shadow Milk's form with some effort, brows twitching down ever so slightly at the blurs of brown he could make out on the pristine robes.

“Why else would I have done it?” Shadow Milk scoffed, picking out the clumps of dirt under his fingernails with narrowed eyes.

“Perhaps the staff had asked it of you. I was simply curious is all.” The dragon offered, hands now hovering over the dirty robes, as if unsure to grab onto Shadow Milk in such a state.

“As if I ever do anything they ask.” He rolled his eyes before gruffing as his face was not so gently grabbed, being pulled onto the tips of his toes as Pure Vanilla leaned down to press his lips and nose against his cheek, not quite a kiss but a very clear sign of affection.

“You most certainly don't but one can change, can't they?” His words felt warm against Shadow Milk's cheek as the latter fussed under his breath, nose scrunched up as Pure Vanilla simply pressed harder with a smile.

“Fat chance. I haven't changed a bit, and I won't do so any time soon.” The huff against his face left him affronted, finally pulling away from the contact as his husband allowed him, hand releasing his face.

“Sure, darling. Whatever you say.” The tease had him throwing a stink eye the dragon's way before huffing and storming off, pulling his robes up so they wouldn't drag as he fled back into the castle, the book that caused this whole mess abandoned in the grass. He hadn't changed at all. Pure Vanilla just liked getting to him, of course.

—

The staff had almost burned him alive for the state his robes were in. Being less than in their favors, they weren't as understanding and patient as when their king would return in dirty robes, usually from an unfortunate situation in the infirmary wing. So now he was stuck in this position, knees bruising from how much time he had been kneeling for as he roughly scrubbed the robe against the washing board, fingers numb and wrinkly as his arms ached from the effort. No matter how much he scrubbed and forced, the dirt and grass stains stuck like caramel to teeth, the off-white almost rubbed raw and thin from all the mechanical force, cotton begging for reprieve as Shadow Milk began his scrubbing once again. By now he had given up on truly getting rid of the stains but he knew the ire that would go his way if he didn't try, the way the staff would be quick to whisper and hiss to the king about the ruined robes and it being the human's fault. It wasn't the first time they had complained about things that Shadow Milk knew were more than trivial to replace being ruined, but he also knew the popular opinion that he was undeserving of them.

In all honesty he would have been fine with burning the robes in some secret corner of the garden, never to be found by anyone, were these robes not one he had borrowed from Pure Vanilla. Well, not exactly borrowed so much as claimed. The King had ditched them a little while back, sighing as he spoke of how he'd need to order new robes soon as he was running out of good ones. That night he resorted to wearing this one, whining to no one in particular about how they had grown too small for him, before promptly ditching it as soon as his new robes arrived. Shadow Milk had then been quick to grab the robes before the staff could, hiding it under blankets and pillows so Pure Vanilla wouldn't see before he left the room. Seeing as the dragons didn't sweat (something about their mixed reptilian magic and genes), the only smell the robes had were the sweet, sharp scent of vanilla, a signature smell of the king, something released and concocted by pheromones, biological and instinctual to please and attract any possible mates, or in his case, the one he was married to. Seeing as Pure Vanilla didn't go after anyone, the smell was something biologically made for his wife and his wife only, something deep and primal in Shadow Milk's head swimming in delight when he got to indulge in it.

Seeing as washing these stains out washed away the natural perfume as well, Shadow Milk truly had no more use for the robes. But he still felt the unfamiliar guilt twist at his gut as he realized the full extent of the damage he had done that evening, hands now slipping and unable to properly grasp the cloth as he finally gave up, robes slipping and bundling into the water as he sat back on his calves, frustrated tears pricking at his eyes. He wasn't one to cry, not truly, but the new emotion had him still shaky on his feet and processing of it. Giving a shaky sigh, he pulled out the washboard from the basin full of soapy water, letting it clatter to the ground as he took hold of the handles and stood up.

His legs were numb from the long period of sitting, almost stumbling before forcing himself up as the mental image of having to deal with hissy, pissy dragon staff yapping his ear off about dirty water being spilled crossed his mind. Making sure not to slosh it around too much, he started his trek to the way outside, planning on dumping the water out into the garden before retiring for the night after a quick change. Currently he wore less than he should, nothing more than spare staff clothing he managed to sneak after disrobing himself of his prior clothing.

Quickly glancing around the halls, he speedwalked to the garden doors, almost bumping against them before having half a mind to gently kick them open. Bumping it wider the rest of the way with his hip, he managed to step out, barely avoiding spillage as he pushed the doors back closed with his back and ass, cringing at the loud click. It all felt too loud in the quiet of the night, moon long having risen into the sky as he wasted away his hours with the uncompletable task. Taking a few steps into the grass, and carefully over the line of flowers, he slowly tipped the basin forward, one hand holding the robes in as he used a leg for support. Though a bit heavy, he still managed to empty the dirty, sudsy water, tipping the container back up with a sigh.

From behind him, a click sounded far above his head, shoulders jumping as he stilled, praying his black hair hid him in the cover of the night, hidden in what shadows the nearby trees cast. Breath stuck in his throat, he heard the sound of footsteps, not daring to look behind him as someone sighed, sounding closer before finally stopping, a familiar voice humming weakly before the sound of metal groaning, as if under weight. He waited for a few seconds more before attempting to ever so slowly tiptoe into the trees, ears lowered in what he could only describe as anxious shame.

“Hello?” His plan was quickly foiled as the person behind him called out, the feeling of eyes pricking the back of his neck. Waiting a few seconds to see if they would say anything more, Shadow Milk finally dared a glance over his shoulder and up, eyes catching the familiar silhouette of Pure Vanilla on their balcony. Witches damn it. Why did the king insist on putting the garden's door beneath his own balcony? The king was currently staring in his general direction, leaning on the railings as he seemingly searched for who he had spotted. Shadow Milk didn't dare utter a word as he turned back around, hoping his dark hair hid most of him from sight. After a few more seconds of silence from the dragon, he finally made a move, now rushing into the trees as the King shouted behind him, clearly not able to recognize his spouse in the unfamiliar clothing and low lighting.

Darting into the trees, Shadow Milk heard the sudden woosh of wind, glancing over his shoulder to see Pure Vanilla had left the balcony, a flash of wings and white rising out of sight before dipping into the treeline, the dragon clearly assuming this to be some sort of threat. Throwing the basin off to the side and ditching it in a hidden spot, Shadow Milk attempted to lose Pure Vanilla, not quite in the mood to explain why he was wearing clothes that didn't belong to him and why he wasn't in bed yet. Ducking under one low branch, he heard the hiss of magic strike above him, eyes flitting up to find a glowing spot on the tree bark, the magic quickly dissipating, having left no damage.

Biting his tongue to stop any noise, he slid down a small incline, staying close to the tighter treeline as he heard the quickly approaching dragon, very aware Pure Vanilla could be agile and fast when he wanted, despite his usually calm and kind demeanor. Another blast zipped by the tip of his ear as he barely ducked in time, ear twitching to shake off the pins and needles feeling that permeated it from the magic. He could tell Pure Vanilla was far too close now, the king shouting for him to stop and please just come back and talk whatever they planned out before the guards found them. He rolled his eyes at the kindness before turning into another part of the forest, attempting to lose the dragon.

Something warm struck the back of his head, not painful but disorienting, brain almost as if deactivating for a second as any control he had of his limbs went numb, legs limping as he fell forward unceremoniously, face first into ground, softened only by the layer of grass thick on it. His ears rang as the feeling of pins and needles now radiated his body, limbs twitching as he attempted to push himself up, not even able to roll over as the steps finally got close enough that he could hear the king's labored breathing.

“Please, whatever you planned to do, you don't have to do it. It certainly won't be worth it.” Shadow Milk's tongue was gummy in his mouth, leaving him unable to answer as gentle, very familiar hands carefully rolled him onto his back, knees knocking together with the momentum. Between black dots and bright light he was able to make out Pure Vanilla's face, watching the king's eyes change in color as he changed from heat vision to his regular blemished one, frowning as he leaned closer to try and make out the face of the person he had knocked over. Upon recognition lighting his face, Shadow Milk mentally groaned, having been more than willing to have been found and dragged back by a guard instead (or sneaking back in), finding it preferable to this situation. “Shadow Milk? Is that you?”

Shadow Milk could only slide his gaze away as he slowly gained back control of his body, knees raising and ears lowering. Were he not humiliated enough, he would have stared back, but currently the eyes on him simply left him squeamish.

“Yeah. It's me.” It felt snippy even to his own ears but he knew no other way to deflect the shame that burned his ears and shoulders, Pure Vanilla sighing above him before gently taking his hand to pull him upright, catching Shadow Milk by the elbow as he stumbled in his attempt to balance, still seemingly knocked off balanced from the magic shot to the back of the head. The dragon looked him over before pulling him closer, now holding the sides of his head as he moved it this way and that, examining his head to see if his magic had done anything more than he intended it to.

“What are you doing out at this hour? No less running in the garden's trees and not answering me.” Pure Vanilla's wings now rested relaxed on his back, more draconic features softening into something more human as he finished inspecting his spouse.

“I just needed some fresh air.” He easily lied through his teeth, not faltering even as Pure Vanilla gave him the look of someone who wasn't convinced at all. The king decided not to push on the obvious lie, hands sliding down to Shadow Milk's shoulders as he tilted his head slightly, a twinge of concern in his eyes.

“You should ask me to accompany you next time then. If someone were to sneak into the garden and you were here, I wouldn't be quick enough to stop them.” He tucked some hair behind a pointed ear, the side of his finger tenderly brushing against the back of it as Shadow Milk tilted his head to lean into it, playing into a more delicate role.

“But you'd be here to heal me, so would it even matter?” He knew he was playing into it, into the higher fragility of a human, into the quiet little worry Pure Vanilla had over Shadow Milk's unpopularity. He felt no dirtier for it even as the dragon's breath hitched ever so subtly, still not used to moments like this, when Shadow Milk was apparently affectionate and mentioned the unspoken tenderness the king and him possessed for each other. Pure Vanilla drew himself into it, leaning down to give him a kiss, an act Shadow Milk always shyly refused during “rewards”, before stopping himself, simply gently pressing his nose into a now cold cheek.

“It would to me. Even if I were to heal you, you would have experienced the pain from that kind of situation. So please. I just ask of you to call for me next time.” Shadow Milk this time familiarly felt no guilt for his underhanded tricks, stepping forward and into Pure Vanilla's surprised arms, wrapping his own around the dragon's neck as he hummed, voice too soft and sweet even for his own ears.

“I will. Can you please carry me to our room now? I can't quite feel my legs yet.” He knew he was pushing the delicate act a little too much but it still got him what he wanted, Pure Vanilla hesitating only a second before a hand was on his lower back and thigh, picking him up and lifting him until he no longer could feel the grass beneath his feet, shielded from wind and cold as the king took to carrying him back, cradling ever so slightly tighter than he would.

—

The next morning Shadow Milk didn't rise before the king, instead purposefully loitering between sheets and pillows as Pure Vanilla stirred from beside him, the arm around his waist pulling him slightly closer before growing slack, his husband nuzzling behind his ear with a sleepy hum.

“You're still in bed? I thought you would have been up by now.” He felt sharp teeth tease at the edge of a warm ear before it was replaced by soft lips, not a kiss(never a kiss) but still intimate contact. The surprise went unspoken, Shadow Milk's habits of fleeing the bed before the King could catch him entangled in his arms and sheets now routine, save for today. Instead Shadow Milk hummed, turning ever so slightly to look at the still tired eyes watching over him. He offered an unfamiliar shyness, more an act than true embarrassment, as he covered his own mouth with a closed fist.

“I'm not feeling too well. My legs aren't quite recovered yet.” He made sure to keep himself docile, acting into something sweet and timid, unlike himself and yet alluring. Pure Vanilla didn't seem to quite catch onto it yet, still awakening as he leaned forward to nuzzle into a cheek, hand massaging the hip it had found, kneading into the transition between it and waist. His eyes held a tinge of alertness, as if the mention of something that wasn't perfect health stirred a smolder of worry in him.

“That's not good. The spell is only supposed to stun momentarily, you should be fully back to yourself by now.” His hand slid to feel thigh instead, hands expertly digging into muscle and bone as if searching for something off, touch more medical than sensual. Shadow Milk simply shrugged, pushing his leg into it and leaning his head back into a shoulder.

“Maybe the running took more out of me than I thought. I don't usually run a lot.” He batted lashes and bit worried lips as Pure Vanilla looked him over, something spinning and turning behind his eyes before he seemed to dismiss it, leaning in to press his lips to the top of his head.

“I'm sorry I made you run, darling. Allow me to make up for yesterday's mistake with a massage. To get the blood flow back into your legs.” Shadow Milk protested it not as another hand joined the first, both cupping his thighs as they methodically pressed into muscle and tendon, pushing any tension and tenseness out of the limb, Pure Vanilla now seemingly fully aware as he hid behind Shadow Milk's ear, thumbs digging into a certain spot that had Shadow Milk purposefully arching his back, breathing out a soft, planned noise as the dragon slowly moved to change their positions.

Now sat between his wife's legs, he stared Shadow Milk down with something analytical, hands sliding to calves to work out any knots as Shadow Milk played his part up, back of a hand over his mouth as his other laid splayed above him, keeping his legs limp and his breathing heavy as the pressure on his legs continued. After another particularly rough tension point was worked out, he pushed his chest out and whined beneath his hand, moving his eyes away as if in shyness before bringing up miniscule tears. Pure Vanilla seemed to hesitate at the uncharacteristic behavior before finishing off the massage, making sure to rotate ankles gently and methodically before finally putting Shadow Milk's legs back down, hands now simply resting on his thighs with no purpose, thumbs digging into the inside of them.

Shadow Milk only blinked at him, half of his face hidden beneath a hand as false tears gathered at his lashes, reflecting the morning light like dew upon petals. Pure Vanilla's own eyes were roaming over his expression before he looked away, hands sliding off as he leaned forward to press his lips against his forehead.

“Rest for today, Shadow Milk. I'll check back on you after a few tasks.” His voice was gentle as he moved himself away, leaving his panting, teary eyed spouse in bed, not able to meet Shadow Milk's eyes as the latter rolled himself onto his side, making sure to hang his eyelids and worry his bottom lip between his teeth.

“Alright. I'll just go back to sleep then.” Pure Vanilla brushed a hand through his hair only once before stepping away, concern clear even as he dressed and got himself ready. Shadow Milk moved not an inch of his legs as he closed his eyes, aware to stay awake even as he feigned an attempt at falling asleep. The dragon in the room regarded him for only a moment before finally leaving, quietly shutting the door behind himself as he finally left for the day's errands, ready to start bright and early.

Shadow Milk gave it a few minutes before throwing the blanket off of himself, legs working as well as they usually did as he rushed to the bathroom, digging into the hamper for the staff outfit from yesterday, quick to pull off his nightgown to dress himself in it instead. His movements were hurried as he wound his hair up into a tight bun, tucking blue into black until one couldn't recognize him by it, if the blue tint to his skin wasn't enough of a giveaway either way. Rushing back into the bedroom, he dug through dressers for sheets and blankets, taking the thickest ones he could find and tying them together into a makeshift rope, ensuring the knots could withstand actual force before doing anything. Once satisfied with the results, he headed for the balcony, as silently as possible pushing the doors open before stepping out, dragging his rope with him until he could secure it to the railing, making sure to test it too for its capability before deciding it could handle his weight, throwing the sheets over the top of it.

He wouldn't have long before someone noticed the rope and told Pure Vanilla about it, so he had to be quick about this. If someone were to find the stained, probably unfixable by this point robe in the trees and show it to the king, Shadow Milk's pride wouldn't be able to take answering why he was stashing away one of Pure Vanilla's old robes and why he had even worn them in the first place instead of his own.

His feet hit the grass with a muted thud, quick to rush into the familiar path he took the night before, ducking between branches and leaves before looking around, searching for traces of the basin and its contents lying around. It took only a few more minutes before he found the discarded robes, sighing in relief as it seemed untouched from the night before, still soaking wet and soapy. Picking it up, he easily wringed the excess out, shaking off what more he could before bundling it up beneath his arm.

Making his way back, he was quick to step behind a tree as he heard voices, peeking out to find two of the staff currently staring at his makeshift rope dangling in the wind, baskets full of clean laundry in their hands as they whispered to each other, looking up at the balcony as they questioned why the king's balcony had such a thing. Cursing under his breath, Shadow Milk rubbed at his face, knowing it was now only a matter of minutes before Pure Vanilla was alerted and he was found outside of the room.

Deciding he best be quick with his disposal, Shadow Milk took the shaded, hidden path into the castle, making sure to stay out of sight until he could slip in through one of the hall's open windows, barely able to catch himself on the way in, dirty robes soaking his current outfit as he scrambled to his feet, rushing down toward a now familiar hallway. If he's quick enough, he should be able to toss this into the castle's furnace, left there to burn without witnesses, go back to the room, change back into his nightgown, slip into bed and pretend nothing happened before Pure Vanilla went back to check on him.

Slipping down a small, precarious laundry chute, be it a very dangerous act, he was able to sneak into the staff's work rooms, where all the castle's utilities were kept from sight, machines hissing and whirling as they performed whatever function was asked of them. Slipping between several rustic washing machines, he quietly approached the burning furnaces, skin already beading sweat at the unbearable heat trapped in the room. Unlike the dragons that inhabited the castle, he wasn't stuck to the room's temperature, instead finding the radiating heat to be suffocating. Picking up one of the rods used to open the furnaces’ doors, he slipped one open, tossing the robe in and having to quickly shut it before the steam could shoot out towards him, the contraption hissing and popping before the noise simmered, now weaker than the others.

With this problem now taken care of, he snuck back the way he had in, forced to grit his teeth as he attempted to climb the chute back up with almost nothing to grip onto, clothed back scrubbing against raw wood and splinters as he slowly shimmied himself up, legs trembling as he used his feet to pull himself up bit by bit. About a quarter of the way to go, he heard a commotion on the outside, several footsteps echoing down as a chorus of voices spoke in a hurry, a familiar tone in its midst as few words caught his ear.

The words human, empty, rope, bed and missing were what he mostly heard, very much able to understand the context of what was being spoken as he worried his bottom lip between canines. Okay. So the plan to sneak back into bed were completely fucked over and he had to find an excuse as to why he was out of bed and no one seemed to know where he was. Awesome.

Peeking out the wooden flap, he looked side to side before fully climbing out, thoughts rushing as his feet led him aimlessly towards where the group had rushed off to. If he was timing it right, he was about a minute behind them, meaning he had at most five minutes before Pure Vanilla was rushing back towards this direction and promptly finding him, wearing clothes that very much aren't his and looking very suspicious considering the makeshift rope in the balcony.

Footsteps in his direction left his brain on autopilot, ducking into the closest room as he heard two people pass by the doors.

“Do you think it really ran away? Because of the noises?” A voice he didn't recognize questioned the other, answered by a laugh.

“Maybe. Humans aren't exactly ones to keep deals. Plus, if I married the king and those sort of noises came from our bedroom every night, I would also leave.” The two laughed at it as Shadow Milk rolled his eyes from where he hid.

“But you're assuming that the human isn't the one making them. Considering how serious about the deal is, I doubt his majesty would actually cheat. He probably just kept it pleased in hopes of avoiding this exact situation.” The gossip was whispered even if it simply echoed, giggles muffled by hands.

“Clearly it wasn't enough. Good riddance I say, at least now we can get a proper dragon for his majesty. Maybe he'll even consider some of the staff.” Their playful jest was met with more laughter, voices now fading as they turned a corner.

Shadow Milk felt his chest tighten at the words, brows furrowing as he looked down at his knees. Yeah, fat chance. Pure Vanilla actually likes him and would be happy to see he hadn't run away. …he hoped.

Breathing out a sigh, he looked up, intending to see where he found himself in. His eyes quickly met familiar rows of books, the library just as stale and empty as it usually was. He had not so subtly claimed the room as his own and the staff was more than happy to avoid it after that. Pushing himself off the door, he headed for one of the shelves, mind already brewing an idea. Reaching for one of the higher shelves, he plucked an unfamiliar book, the gold engrained title shining in the sunlight as he tucked the book into his elbow. Repeating the motion over and over, he piled books into his arms until he couldn't see over the top, arms trembling slightly under the weight. Now carrying probably a quarter of his weight in books, he slowly padded over to the door, gluing his ear to the wood and listening with bated breath.

After a long bout of silence, he heard the soft and rushed thuds of footsteps, the pattern more than familiar as he grinned, timing it almost perfectly as he kicked the door open, hearing something bang against the wood along with a shout. Peeking over the side in fake surprise, he found Pure Vanilla on his ass on the ground, rubbing at a bleeding nose as he looked up, eyes widening at the blurry blue silhouette of Shadow Milk. Ignoring his wound, the dragon was quick to stand, almost knocking Shadow Milk over as he pulled him by the arms, purposefully pushing the books to the ground as he felt over Shadow Milk's face, eyes changing between both types of visions.

“Shadow Milk.” His voice was breathless, blood gathering at the seam of his lips as he pulled Shadow Milk to his chest, looking erratic as he clung to him. “I thought something had happened, or- or you had run, or someone had broken into our room, I just- you scared the life out of me.”

Shadow Milk pat his back as he held back a self satisfied smile, feet already aching as he was forced onto the tips of his toes, other hand smoothing blonde hair down. He was slightly surprised at the twig-like horns he could see between strands, running a finger over them in amazement.

“I was just getting some books since I couldn't fall asleep. Why'd you think something happened?” He played innocent as he tried to pull away, instead dragged back in tighter with a squeak being pushed out, Pure Vanilla lifting him off his feet as he sat him on his arm, pressing his nose against a blue cheek violently, smearing dark red blood against it. Shadow Milk thought to complain before deciding it wouldn't work in his favor.

“Nothing. Nothing at all, don't worry.” The king easily brushed away his own worry as he kept his wife close, legs weak and leading him to slowly sit down, cradling Shadow Milk much he like did during their wedding night, no shyness this time as he kept him close. His heart no longer thundering in his chest, he now finally took notice of what Shadow Milk was wearing, frowning at the unfamiliar clothes once again. “Why are you wearing these? Has no one been bringing you clean clothes?”

“Ah, no. I just grabbed it off the bathroom to not call too much attention while walking around. I didn't want anyone to ask me about why I was going into the library.” The lie was weak, barely held together due to the fact no one would have questioned Shadow Milk's presence, all now aware of how quickly Pure Vanilla would jump into his defense, even if Shadow Milk was in the wrong. The dragon seemed to think on it for only a second before brushing it off, probably deciding it was not best to pick apart at it right now. Shadow Milk had done weirder things for no reason.

Standing up with Shadow Milk in a bridal carry, Pure Vanilla looked down with a small frown, looking at the discarded books on the floor. Unwilling to release Shadow Milk, he simply turned around to carry him to their room, hoping to get Shadow Milk to change into something more comfortable for the rest of the day. The human simply glanced between him and the books before resting against his shoulder, mentally cheering at his successful deceit.

—

Okay, so maybe it wasn't that successful. That was the only thought that crossed the back of Shadow Milk's mind as he was subtly pushed further into the bookshelf, the book he was reaching for now forgotten as his hand was grabbed, fingers interlacing with Pure Vanilla's as the dragon pressed chest to back, currently nuzzling behind an ear. After the scare, the king had cancelled all his duties for the day, instead insisting on following Shadow Milk through his routine, still on edge as if he'd disappear from right beneath his nose.

A bite to his ear had him jumping, other hand rising to try and shoo Pure Vanilla off of him, instead it too being grabbed, Shadow Milk now fully restrained and pressed against books and wood, trying to turn his face away to slow Pure Vanilla down as a leg attempted pushing his open, cheeks burning with a blush as he pressed his thighs together as well as possible.

“W-What are you doing?” His voice was too shrill even for his own ears, yelping as Pure Vanilla took hold of both his hands with only one, raising them and pulling until Shadow Milk was forced onto the tips of his toes, now off balance and unable to stop the dragon as he made him practically sit on his thigh, now thin robes shielding him from no sensations as Pure Vanilla started ever so slowly moving his leg back and forth. A bite to his cheek accompanied a hiccup in his breathing as Pure Vanilla grinned.

“Simply enjoying some affection. You looked too appetizing to resist.” His free hand was currently pulling cloth up to bunch Shadow Milk's robes around his waist, the latter squirming as he tried protesting even between quiet hiccuped cries.

“W-Wait, wait, we're in public!” His protests held less weight with the way his hips were moving back and forth to increase pressure and speed, hands flexing against the hold as he tried stopping the king from undressing him so quickly.

“Does that bother you?” The question was sincere, Pure Vanilla stopping his movements as his thumb rubbed a hip, Shadow Milk biting his tongue to stop a whine as he tried continuing the movement against his clothed cunt. The dragon pulled his leg down ever so slightly to diminish the pressure significantly, forcing Shadow Milk to respond if he wanted anything to continue.

“I don't want any of the staff to see me exposed.” ‘Much less you’ went the unsaid thought, Shadow Milk's insecurities rearing their ugly heads as he looked away. Pure Vanilla considered it for a moment more before humming, pulling his leg away and any support for Shadow Milk even as he was forced to stay barely on the ground, legs trembling at the effort. His robes were gently lowered back down before Pure Vanilla fully sandwiched him against the wall, pressing his legs together with one of his own and his free hand.

“Very well, you can stay clothed then. Just squeeze your legs together, sweetheart.” He didn't have time to question it before something was poking at the back of his thigh, jumping in surprise as he tried to look down and back before his face was grabbed, Pure Vanilla stopping him as he pulled his head back, forcing a sharp arch in his spine and neck. The loose bun he had tied his hair into came undone as Pure Vanilla gently smiled, eyes meeting his even if it probably made no difference to the one above him. He could only stare in wide eyed surprise as Pure Vanilla's thumb gently brushed his cheek, the dragon tilting his head ever so slightly, voice now amused. “It wouldn't be fair if you saw me when I can't see you.”

“You've seen me plenty.” Shadow Milk's brows twitched in irritation as he replied, twitching away in reflex as Pure Vanilla grinded into him, brushing their noses together gently.

“I've seen you halfway in the water plenty. The times when you were out of it, I was too busy having my face buried in your crotch to properly see anything.” That brought a brilliant purple blush to his cheeks, mouth twisting in a scowl as he kicked the shin behind him. Pure Vanilla only laughed at him before letting his face go, reaching down for his own robes. Shadow Milk quickly took the opportunity to try and look again but he was quickly foiled once again, Pure Vanilla's smile thinning into something more annoyed even if it still held all its amusement. “If you're going to keep trying to look, we're going to be here all day. And then someone is definitely going to find us in this position.”

“Then just let me look, you dumb lizard.” Shadow Milk grinned at the face above him before huffing as Pure Vanilla bent him further at the same time he pulled his hands, stretching him out into something that bordered pain.

“You know, you don't have to be a brat every time we get intimate. It kind of defeats the point of this being a reward for good behavior.” Pure Vanilla pressed his nose against his temple even as Shadow Milk rolled his eyes, flexing his hands to make sure blood flowed to them.

“I don't have to do most things in life. I just want to.” His words were met with an annoyed breath before Pure Vanilla quickly straightened him out, forcing his head as far back as it'd go without the spine being allowed to follow the curve, milky eyes now glaring in a weak show of the dragon being fed up.

“I wish you'd use your smart mouth for other things. You could accomplish a lot if you put your effort into anything besides mouthing off.” He snorted at the claim, eyelids hanging in amusement as he licked over sharp canines.

“And what would those things be? Sucking yo-” He was cut off as Pure Vanilla kissed him, his nose brushing against a throat as he startled, shouting something into the lips against his before settling, eyes sliding closed as he kissed back. It was unexpected as a tongue slipped into his mouth, licking over teeth and tasting the tea he had earlier as Pure Vanilla's hand released his head, the kiss keeping it in place as the dragon reached down to pull his own robes up. Shadow Milk's eyes peeked slightly open as he tried bending himself further back to look underneath his head, being more than flexible enough for it. His attempt had the dragon biting his lip to keep his head still, sucking on the wound as blood easily pooled and Shadow Milk whined in pain.

Pure Vanilla finally managed to settle his robes over his hips, hand now moving to hold Shadow Milk's hair in a tight grip, ensuring he wouldn't be able to move his head as his lip was released, the dragon kitten licking at the blood that would bubble up. Shadow Milk himself felt dizzy, head spinning at their first proper kiss as his mouth hung open, legs growing slack as he blinked up at his husband, weaker than he thought he'd be.

“What… what was that for?” His voice was but a mumble, licking at his now swollen bloody lip as Pure Vanilla moved his head back, smiling at him.

“I needed to hold your head still somehow while disrobing. Did you mind?” The answer was a simple dazed blink before he tried moving his head up, chasing Pure Vanilla for more kisses as the dragon eagerly leaned in, more than happy to entangle their tongues together as he reached down. He positioned something between them, it poking at the inside of Shadow Milk's thigh and bringing out a quiet whimper as he squeezed his thighs together, hoping to get some friction from whatever it was. He was rewarded with something burning hot, pressing up against the slit of his cunt and clit as Pure Vanilla let out a heavy breath, pushing his hips forward as he pushed him further into the bookshelf.

They both parted to regain their breath, Pure Vanilla gently brushing their noses affectionately as he started to move, pushing his hips back and forth gently while Shadow Milk whined and hiccuped cries. The human could feel his robes already clinging to him and what he assumed to be Pure Vanilla's dick just from how wet he was, eyes sliding to the side along with his head, curious to take a peek, before Pure Vanilla easily tilted his head back, breath heavy even as he smiled and brushed the back of a finger against the side of his face.

“Could you not look?” At the slow slide of Shadow Milk's eyes, Pure Vanilla kissed the tip of his nose, bringing the attention back to him. “Please, darling?”

Shadow Milk felt ashamed at the way he behaved, keeping his eyes up and on Pure Vanilla even as he was slowly straightened, his hands being released so Pure Vanilla could grab onto his hips with both hands. Shadow Milk's own hands easily found their way against whatever books were near him, bracing him and giving him support as he found himself still on the tips of his toes to accommodate the situation. Pure Vanilla only smiled before hiding into his shoulder, thrusts gaining a bit of force and speed as he pushed into the plush of Shadow Milk's thighs, drooling onto him and leaving his robes now sticking to his collarbone.

Trying to get some leverage, Shadow Milk attempted to move his hips, Pure Vanilla letting out something similar to a snake's hiss as he started more eagerly pushing and pulling, excitedly encouraging Shadow Milk's hips to move counter to his, allowing for more friction. Feeling understimulated, Shadow Milk attempted to sneak a hand down to touch himself, it promptly being stopped as Pure Vanilla guided it lower, moving his fingers until they formed a circle. Any confusion was dissolved as something pushed into the circle, Shadow Milk jumping as Pure Vanilla simply grinned against his skin and kissed and bit at his shoulder, now fucking into his thigh and fingers. Shadow Milk felt dizzy, head spinning further as Pure Vanilla's hand released his to instead apply pressure to his clit, moving his middle and ring finger back and forth while pressing it gently, humming against him.

Trying to push into the pressure, he was rewarded as Pure Vanilla changed to alternate between straight and circular movements, Shadow Milk's legs trembling as he tried focusing on keeping his thighs pressed together despite the pleasure, drool running down his chin as he absentmindedly kept his mouth open.

The movements and pressure kept only for a few minutes before Pure Vanilla was mouthing at his ear, hip movements now frantic as he chased the most friction possible, desperately pressing and moving his fingers on Shadow Milk as the latter moaned beneath him, reaching his peak as well. Biting at the tip of his ear, Pure Vanilla attempted to encourage him to move the hand that he had been thrusting into, pushing it against the fat of his legs. Shadow Milk attempted obeying, jerking his hand back and forth even as he trembled head to toe, feeling his stomach tighten and twist, pressure building lower and lower as the pitch of his moans rose.

It was only a few more seconds before he came, sobbing out a scream as his robes were soiled further, Pure Vanilla licking and biting at his ear with a happy hiss before pulling back one last time, angling his hips up on the last thrust to push the pointed gland into the seam of Shadow Milk's cunt, threatening to breach it with the robes as he shot his load out against the cloth barrier, the sound downright filthy with how it dripped, the robes barely able to absorb any more moisture in that spot. Shadow Milk could only breathe out a weak cry before slumping against the bookshelf. His husband gave him no rest though, still fingers now back to applying quicker and harsher pressure to his clit as he weakly cried, hands trying to hold Pure Vanilla's wrist as he shook his head.

“T-Too sensitive. G-Give me a bit!” He hiccuped out the words as tears slid down his cheeks, bottom lip trembling as his euphoria was quickly built up again thanks to the oversensitivity.

“Just one more.” Pure Vanilla panted against his ear, pushing and rolling even as Shadow Milk hiccuped sobs, shaking his head in denial even while opening his legs and pushing into the feeling, too ashamed to admit his enjoyment. “One more.”

He choked on his own breath as he did as told, once again cumming on his soiled robes as the dragon finally gave him rest, fingers slipping off to instead palm at his hip, gently petting it as the dragon kissed any bitten spots, audibly delighted as he grinned against him.

“Good job, darling. You did so well.” Shadow Milk could only cry and sob out the tears that had already risen, legs shaking so hard he was sure they'd give out as soon as Pure Vanilla stepped back. Thankfully the king seemed to notice, taking pity on the human as he helped him into his hold, holding him up with an arm around his waist as he kissed the tears away, having tucked himself in as soon as Shadow Milk was fully done. Sniffling against his robes, Shadow Milk felt his eyelids droop, exhaustion post physical exercise settling in as he groaned. Pure Vanilla immediately perked up at the noise, already paying attention before Shadow Milk spoke.

“P-Please.” His voice was rough from all the moaning and crying, hands fisting cloth as he weakly rubbed his face against Pure Vanilla's shoulder. “A bath.”

The dragon smiled, picking him up as he did before and promptly getting them out of there, quick to head into their bedroom to clean up.

—

Going farther than usual seemed to have some sort of effect on the dragon, Shadow Milk finding himself being awoken more often than not by the dragon grinding into him in his sleep, Pure Vanilla's eyes screwed shut as he sleep-mumbled and humped into Shadow Milk, apparently not able to tell the difference between him and a pillow while asleep. Unwilling to address it (and finding himself hot under the collar one time too many after being awoken in such a way), Shadow Milk didn't bring it up, instead using the memories for shameful days, where he'd linger in the bed a little too long after Pure Vanilla awoke and left for the day.

It all came to a head on the day Pure Vanilla uttered those fateful words.

“Shadow Milk, may I breed you?” The shock on his face was expected, the dragon looking ashamed as he blushed a furious red, tail curled around his feet and wings dipped low, radiating embarrassment. Pure Vanilla quickly added to try and fix his own words and shame. “It's just that… I've been having very vivid dreams about us… copulating, and we have yet to fulfill the treaty, since it asks for an heir to come from the marriage. Not to mention spring is coming and well… It's dragon mating season.”

Pure Vanilla seemed mortified by the admission, shuffling his feet and quickly assuring that he'd give Shadow Milk time to think about all of it before quickly scuttling out of the room, seemingly glad to get out of the suffocating shame he had created himself, leaving a blushing, shocked wife on the bed.

After that, Shadow Milk had been quick to rush to the library, digging for any and all books about how reproduction worked for dragons, desperate to make sure any possible offspring he were to carry wouldn't kill him in the process. Considering how female dragons were considerably bigger than him and male dragons, he was expecting the possible broodling would take a massive toll on him, since he was smaller than most male dragons, even if only by a little. Adding to the fact that Pure Vanilla was one of the ancient dragons and was large even for dragon standards, Shadow Milk was pretty sure he'd pop if the baby got too big.

Quickly skipping over the anatomy part, he was quick to look at the pregnancy bit, eyes quickly skimming over everything as he tried to absorb as much as he could. The information wasn't as worrying as he thought turns out. Dragon babies were born in human form so he wouldn't have to deal with too many spikes and talons. Usually they'd be born in a very thin shell like capsule, it being originated from the female's egg, but considering Shadow Milk would be the one to provide the egg, he was expecting it to just be a more painful birth. Any and all dragon parts would also be soft and malleable while coming out so no wings or tail would rip anything more that a regular baby wouldn't anyways. Besides the usual horrors of childbirth, there wasn't much Shadow Milk was too worried about, at least until the heir was born. Raising a child was a whole other mess he'd have a headache over but he'd at least have 9 months to come to terms with that fact.

Now thoroughly satiated with the fact that he wouldn't die if he agreed to this, he moved on to the trickier part of the path into making a child. He wasn't unfamiliar with the process, any half decent scholar would know how children are made, but he was very unprepared on how one would lead into the process. Being studious meant he saw no value in such activities and as such abstained from them, and after he gave up studying due to reasons he'd rather not discuss, he found himself too bitter to grow any interest in doing such a thing with someone. Now that he was married to a decidedly handsome man who he touched himself over the thought of, he supposed it was time to learn. That led him to inviting the only person he trusted to give him sane advice.

“Nice placeee, this is all soooo charming.” Eternal Sugar marveled at the structure of the castle, smile amused at all the paintings and decorations methodically placed around, perking up more at every glimpse of the outside garden she got. Shadow Milk only brooded, arms crossed tight over his chest as he grit his teeth. He hadn't said why he had called her over when he invited her, but he still didn't expect this.

“It's all a bit too opulent for my taste. Seems meaningless to waste so many jewels on decoration.” Mystic Flour finally piped up from her silence, glancing ever so subtly around with distaste. A snort to her side had her glaring.

“It's wasteful, that's what it is. Most of these are way too fragile, you could break any of them by just dropping them.” Burning Spice too had his arms crossed over his chest, looking disinterested as they walked down the corridor to the royal hot spring. Silent Salt said nothing, his companions more than aware of how he tested accumulated riches, preferring they instead be given to the poor and needy.

“Well, the castle doesn't belong to any of you, so I guess it doesn't really matter what any of you think, does it?” Shadow Milk snapped, glaring as they all gave him unimpressed looks. He simply bristled and turned back around, pushing open the door for the spring as they all filed in.

“Oh yes, because it's your castle, right? That's why the staff was oh so happy to see you had guests.” Eternal Sugar mocked, already working on ditching her layers with no shame, never one to feel embarrassed at nudity. Silent Salt followed suit, methodically undoing his armor to be placed aside even if he kept the helmet as was, his face always hidden away at all times.

“Of course they'd be displeased he had guests. I doubt he's been pleasant enough for any of them to like him.” Mystic Flour's commentary hit it right in the bullseye, Shadow Milk saying nothing as he grabbed towels and soaps for them. The rest of the group had all undressed, none hesitating as they passed by him and stepped straight into the hot water that awaited them, Eternal Sugar sighing happily at the warmth as all four settled, not even waiting for Shadow Milk. He hesitated for only a second before undressing, trying to be quick about it as he rapidly grabbed the soaps and tried to step in to hide himself, knowing he'd been caught when Eternal Sugar gasped loudly. She was already pushing away from her spot to get to him, manicured nails pointing to very obvious bite marks and bruises.

“What are those?!?” She grinned from ear to ear as she pushed into the still healing marks, Shadow Milk attempting to push her away and hide them with his hair as he scowled.

“They're none of your business! Get off of me!” He could see Burning Spice snickering as Mystic Flour rolled her eyes. Silent Salt only turned his head ever so slightly, never one to talk about such topics.

“They're lovebites~! So you've been getting down with the dragon, huh? I thought you said you found him absolutely vile~.” Her teasing turned into a gasp of disdain as Shadow Milk splashed her with water, bouncy curls slowly coming undone as she finally let herself be pushed away, now also glaring.

“It's not like that at all, idiot.” His cheeks and ears burned as he pulled his hair to shield himself from sight, eyes flitting away as he grit his teeth. He had to dig his nails into his thighs to counterbalance his pride screaming at him as he hissed out his next words. “That's kind of why I invited you here, actually.”

That got three of them blinking, staring at him in surprise as Eternal Sugar spoke up.

“You… want our help to have sex with your husband?” He blushed brightly at that, covering his eyes as he growled beneath his breath.

“When you put it that way it sounds horrible.” He scrubbed at his face as he avoided their gazes, picking at strands of his hair. “It's just that… when I studied I never really wanted to do anything, and after that, well, I didn't find anyone to do anything, so I kind of… don't know how to do it. And now Pure Vanilla asked to do it, not to mention it's part of the treaty, so… I was hoping you'd help me with this.”

His words were met with momentaneous silence before Silent Salt was surprisingly the one to break it, raising a hand in a fist.

“Parry. Dominate. Thrust. Intercourse is like battle. You must disarm your opponent and keep control of the field.” His words held conviction, seemingly thinking for a second before humming. “Considering your case you wouldn't be able to thrust but the idea remains the same. Control over your opponent means guaranteed success.”

“That's such a bleak and unromantic way to see it!” Eternal Sugar quickly protested, sighing in exasperation. “You have to be romantic and seductive about it. Setting the mood is the most important thing if you want it to go well. Light some candles, sprinkle rose petals, have a candlelit dinner beforehand. It's all about the atmosphere and getting enthralled in your partner!”

“Nonsense. Silent Salt is right, there's nothing that gets blood flowing quicker than physical activity! You should try sparring beforehand. Or maybe wrestling. Something with lots of physical contact and effort is bound to get both of you heated up.” Burning Spice leaned back as he explained, the ends of his hair dipping into the water.

“You are all wrong. If one IS to do such a thing, it is best to be methodical and analytical. If you know the weak points of your companion and you practice your own performance then you can maximize the chances of pregnancy and therefore be efficient. The whole song and dance of getting to that part is meaningless, seeing as you'll get the same results either way.” Mystic Flour peeked between lashes as she argued, hands gingerly brushing shampoo through her hair.

“What a boring way to go about it! The fun part of sex is building up to it!” Eternal Sugar complained, leaning back dramatically. “None of you can appreciate the art of seduction!”

“It is like a battle and one must win it. Simple as that.”

“A battle is the build up to it! Nothing is hotter than someone who's your equal in battle!”

“It is all useless. If the attraction is there either way, the path to pregnancy is irrelevant.”

Sinking into the water, Shadow Milk made a grave realization. None of his friends got laid often enough.

—

Waiting for Pure Vanilla that night felt nerve wracking. After bidding his friends goodbye and making sure none of them uttered a single word about his problem to anyone else, Shadow Milk did what he does best, rushing to the library to read up on courting and mating rituals among dragons. Still a sucker for being as knowledgeable as possible on a topic, his old habits resurfaced, reading all he could find about the topic and a little more, practically dizzy by the end from how much information he had absorbed. Though not very explicit, the books did address usual behaviors and rituals, speaking of how it was primordially done before dragon culture started mixing with human and it all got a little more complicated.

From what he could gather, Shadow Milk assumed he was on the right path, tucking more blanket edges tighter against the makeshift nest he had done on the bed. Though not being very talented at it, he was able to gather very quickly that sex started in here, with the interested party being responsible for approaching the possible suitor in what should be their nest. Being allowed to show their interest, it should then become a time for showing off and impressing, the seducer trying to impress the seducee into thinking they were a good match. Be the seduction successful, the instigator would then climb into the nest and proceed to… mount the one they had seduced, quickly and promptly depositing their seed before quickly leaving to avoid being eaten, even if such an act was unheard of in modern times.

Though trying to follow dragon traditions, Shadow Milk had taken up some of the hints Eternal Sugar had given during the bath, her being the more experienced one between all of them. Though he refused to lay petals and light a bunch of candles, he still tried his best on the dolling up part, rubbing lotions and perfumes onto his skin until he felt soft as silk, sheer robes hanging from his shoulders as he nervously picked at his nails, sat in the middle of the ‘nest’. Even following what he read to a tee, his nerves still felt shot, millions of possible what-ifs running through his mind as he forced himself to avoid biting his lip, the glossy berry stain in his lips prone to getting messed up if he did.

A click from the door finally signaled it the time, breath stuttering as he watched Pure Vanilla step in, the dragon seemingly not noticing as he closed the door behind him, the staff that allowed him vision angled down as he hummed calmly. As soon as he lifted it and his head, he froze in surprise, eyes opening to blink at Shadow Milk before he gently smiled, tilting his head.

“What's this, darling?” His voice carried a tinge of confusion before his eyes rounded in shock, seemingly understanding the situation. Shadow Milk said nothing as he simply leaned back on his hands, thighs squeezed together to hide himself as he simply batted his lashes at Pure Vanilla. According to the books he shouldn't make any moves to seem too eager, as apparently the pursuers found some sort of pride in chasing. Upon getting no answer, Pure Vanilla approached, amusement teasing at his lips as he stopped at the foot of the bed, looking down at his wife with a smile. “Oh? Am I supposed to do something?”

Shadow Milk turned his head to the side at the question, not looking at Pure Vanilla as the bed dipped near his feet, the dragon leaning a knee against it as he leaned his staff on a bedpost, hands already reaching for the human's calves. The king seemed happy even with the silent treatment, slowly climbing onto the bed until he could sit in what little space there was between Shadow Milk's legs, petting in a back and forth motion his calves, gently massaging where he touched. Shadow Milk shivered at the feeling, finally glancing at Pure Vanilla with what he hoped to be an unimpressed expression.

“You aren't too good at this impressing your possible broodmate thing, are you?” His question was twinged in meanness, Pure Vanilla snorting at it as he leaned forward.

“Oh? Were you hoping for a traditional coupling between dragons? Because I can show you how strong and tough I can be, darling.” He ended his sentence by grabbing Shadow Milk's hips, not giving him a second to protest before he was flipping him over, pushing his upper half down as he pulled his lower up, angling their hips to fit together as he gently grinded against him and nuzzled behind his ear. Shadow Milk tried pushing himself up with no success, blush bright on his face and shoulders as he complained.

“I'm supposed to be the one to let you into the nest!” His complaints were met with a fond huff, his husband gently nibbling on his ear as he grinned.

“‘Nest’? You went all out for this, huh? How cute.” That earned him a harsher grind, knocking a hiccup out of him as Pure Vanilla gently laughed. “I simply assumed being practically naked on our bed and giving me bedroom eyes was enough of an invitation. But I can play along.” He pulled away from keeping him down, instead simply keeping up the gentle grinding as he cooed. “May I enter your nest, mate?”

Shadow Milk could feel his ears burning, not able to look back to meet Pure Vanilla's gaze as he tensely nodded, jumping in surprise as a hand pressed against his clit, the rough texture of the robe making him dizzy as the dragon leaned back over him, back to chewing on his ear with a smile.

“Thank you, darling. Shall I mount you now then?” He teased, pulling back and lifting Shadow Milk's robes up to reveal him, letting out a small and hummed “wow” which had Shadow Milk kicking back, knowing full well the dragon had seen the sight before. The king simply retaliated with a kiss to his lower back, gently massaging at it as he hummed. “Shall we do this fully traditional or shall I prep you? As much faith as I have in you, usually I'd be the smaller one and all.”

“Just prep me.” Shadow Milk glared as he folded his arms in front of him, making an effort not to jump as Pure Vanilla licked a stripe against his pussy, eagerly lapping and sucking with an affirmative hum. The first breach of a tongue inside him had him dropping his head, forehead against his arms as he closed his eyes, mouth falling open to moan quietly as he tried pushing his hips back, searching for friction. His husband answered his plea by starting to play with his clit, pinching and teasing it as his other hand pushed a finger in with his tongue. Shadow Milk tensed around it before taking deep breaths to relax, the finger moving back and forth before a second one was being added, the motions changing into scissoring ones as he was spread open with a slick sound that left his ears burning.

A bit more spreading had Pure Vanilla pushing in a third one, massaging and pressing into walls until Shadow Milk could hear himself squelch, slick pooling around the fingers as he groaned. The dragon seemed to deem the preparation over, pulling his face away as he sat up, fingers still gently massaging at walls even if they stayed still. Shadow Milk looked over his shoulder to see what Pure Vanilla wanted now, blinking dazedly as he was smiled at.

“Shall we undress properly? Considering we are to start trying for an heir, I think it only fair that we finally see each other bare.” Shadow Milk agreed weakly, pulling himself forward to dislodge himself off the fingers that were insistently pressing into the spongy spot in his pussy, fingers shakily pulling off what little layers he wore as Pure Vanilla undressed himself. Lifting himself to be able to look through his own legs, his eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of not one but two hard dicks between Pure Vanilla's legs, both emerging from what seemed to be a slit in his crotch. They both stood tall at attention, spiked and pointed at the tips, already beading precum as Pure Vanilla palmed himself, stroking one of them as he smiled at him. Maybe Shadow Milk shouldn't have skipped the anatomy part in the books he read. “Surprised? It's why I didn't want you to look before.”

“It's definitely unexpected.” Shadow Milk muttered, moving his head to lay back down on his arms, ears dipping low as his voice followed. “They won't hurt, right?”

“Of course not!” Pure Vanilla was quick to assure, petting Shadow Milk's ass gently. “The spikes are just for a better grip and I'll make sure to only put one in!” Not that that would be much better considering Shadow Milk was still sure he'd be speared on just the one. But he didn't voice that, instead glancing over his shoulder as he did his best at seductively moving his hips.

“Well, what are you waiting for then? Let's make a baby.” The words seemed to have a bigger effect on the dragon than Shadow Milk thought, Pure Vanilla blushing brightly before he was laying himself over his back, one hand positioning one of his cocks as he kissed at blushing shoulderblades.

The cockhead breaching had Shadow Milk keening, reaching forward to hold onto sheets as he was stretched further than the fingers had, Pure Vanilla being slow and gentle as he pushed until he sunk to the base. The cockhead kissed at Shadow Milk's cervix, the human panting and drooling onto sheets as he tried blinking through the fullness, feeling as though it'd come out his mouth. He took only a few more seconds to adjust before pushing his hips back, attempting to encourage the one above him. Pure Vanilla didn't need much of it to start moving his hips, mindful of Shadow Milk's sensitivity as his spikes dragged against tender walls, the one below him already starting to hiccup his moans as he attempted to move his hips, wanting to speed up. Pure Vanilla jolted at the attempt, reaching down to grab hips and stop him as he squeezed his eyes shut.

“Sweetheart, if you move then it won't be as slow.” His voice was already strained, tail weakly thumping behind him as Shadow Milk whined.

“Mo'e. Gimme faste’. Please.” He peeked over his shoulder as he forcibly pushed his hips back, trying to chase the feeling down as Pure Vanilla pulled back ever so slightly. The dragon hissed at the action, tail giving a wag as he forced Shadow Milk's hips to still, panting himself now.

“Darling, if I give you more then I might get a bit too rough. Would that be okay?” His question wasn't answered, the one below him trying to move his hips again even if he was held still. Finally realizing he wouldn't be able to move until Pure Vanilla allowed him, Shadow Milk looked back with an annoyed glare, ears dipped down as he scowled with clouded eyes.

“Are you daft? I said more and faster.” His tongue felt heavy even as he mouthed off, barely keeping his head up as his husband gently huffed and rolled his eyes.

“I'm trying not to hurt you. It's clearly your first time taking a dragon.” Pure Vanilla's voice had lost the slightest bit of patience as Shadow Milk groaned, glaring as he pushed his upper half off the bed.

“How would you know? Since no one seems to believe you'd like me, maybe the noise coming from our room really is another dragon taking me for a ride. I mean, clearly everyone believes that so-” A rough slam of hips had his arms going limp, falling chin first into the edge of the nest as he yelped out a surprised moan. Glancing back in shock, he found Pure Vanilla already dragging him off his dick to slam back in again, this time pushing out a whimper as the head bumped into the cervix's opening. His mouth couldn't close as noises were punched out of him, hands reaching back to hold onto Pure Vanilla's before his wrists were grabbed, the dragon now using them to pull Shadow Milk back every time he pushed in, even if it made the former's shoulders thrum with an ache at every pull.

“That's enough out of you.” Pure Vanilla's voice lacked the calmness it had before, his tail swaying side to side in annoyance as he sped up his thrusts and pushed more force into them, his second cock hitting Shadow Milk's clit with every thrust, the stinging of each hit bringing tears of pain-pleasure to the latter. “I'll let you mouth off about me as much as you want, but I draw the line at this. You are my wife.” A rough thrust. “I will not stand for you giving any sort of credibility to those awful rumors.” Another one. “I will put a whole litter of dragonlings in you to dispel any rumors if need be.”

Shadow Milk could only cry and hiccup his pleasure into silk as he attempted clawing, blunt nails leaving barely there white scratches against tanned forearms as he was rendered helpless to the treatment. His legs felt weak at the now aggressively brutal pace, barely keeping him up as he weakly attempted to push himself up further, in an attempt to angle the pointed head into the spongy spot in him that was rasped against by soft spikes every second or so. Another hit of the second spiked shaft against his abused clit had his shoulders jumping, unable to help it as tears sprung to his eyes, cries morphing into something wetter and less composed as the drops slowly ran down his cheeks. He couldn't stop himself as he openly sobbed and hiccuped in pleasure, attempts to push his hips back quickly earning him a rough shove, face sliding against the sheet as what little berry juice was still left on his lips was smeared, tears and drool sliding over his cheeks in a mess of fluids.

His husband leaned over to bite harshly at his ear, blood quickly beading to the surface as his shoulders jumped at the sensation. He whined in discomfort at it but Pure Vanilla paid him no mind, licking away the blood as he finally released one of his wrists, hand instead grasping at his thigh to lift it and better the angle at which he could push himself in. With his hand now free, Shadow Milk pushed against the bed, able to take a proper gasp of air as he tried pulling himself forward, wanting for the pace to slow down at least a little bit, if only to give his already sore cunt a break. His attempts instead had Pure Vanilla catching his arm, pulling it so he was face down on the bed again, wailing his moans as he turned his face, half aware of how gross his face must be from all the tears and drool. Glancing back at Pure Vanilla, the dragon smiled meanly, tail now wagging as he hummed out of breath.

“Know why the male dragons are usually smaller than the females, sweetheart?” He slowed the pace to allow Shadow Milk clarity, the human hiccuping out a few sobs before shaking his head, reaching up to try and scrub his face before it was intercepted, Pure Vanilla catching his arm by the elbow and keeping him half turned without choice. He grinned as Shadow Milk gave him a pitiful look, lip wobbling as he blinked tears off of his lashes. “Because when they are bigger, they tend to bully the female. You didn't think to read that much past our mating rituals, did you?”

The tease had more tears welling in Shadow Milk's eyes before he simply turned his face to hide in the sheets, unwilling to show how easily the rough treatment got to him, and much less to admit how wet he could hear it made him. Pure Vanilla simply laughed at his silence and leaned down to nuzzle behind his ear, the smile he had palpable. A clawed talon on his clit had Shadow Milk jumping once again, ears bending down as his husband toyed with it, alternating between pressure and pinches, picking up the pace again. A few more harsh touches had him climaxing, euphoria loud and bold as he wailed into the bed, oversensitivity quickly settling in and causing him to squirm, now whimpering and whining as he shook his head, already building up to a second orgasm far quicker than before.

The one above him didn't pay it any mind, mouthing at his neck and shoulder as his thrusts shifted into grinding, something thick and bloated pushing against Shadow Milk's labia. He tried to look back but Pure Vanilla was already pressing his face into the sheets again, smile audible as he gently scratched at the back of his head.

“There's one more surprise I didn't tell you about, sweetheart. Usually, this trait led to my ancestors getting killed while making their brood. Luckily for me, it only happens in the end, so they always got to pass along their genes and the lineage could continue.” His wife's cheek was squished against the bed as he finally turned his head, clouded eyes staring at Pure Vanilla for an explanation as the dragon hummed, nuzzling against his temple. “You're going to love getting knotted, darling.”

He didn't have time to process the information before the thick base was not so gently pushed in, tearing a cry from his throat as Pure Vanilla resorted to humping him, taking only a few movements more before something almost burning hot spilled inside him. Shadow Milk squealed at the feeling, fisting at the silks beneath him as Pure Vanilla dragged another orgasm out of him, pressing and rubbing his clit until he was clenching around him, going limp in exhaustion.

The dragon tested their seal, attempting to pull his hips back but ultimately dragging his wife's body along with it, casually humming as he pet Shadow Milk's ass and sat back on his calves, Shadow milk obligatorily being dragged until he was basically sitting on his lap, sniffling and attempting to regain his breath. Pure Vanilla gave him a few moments to breathe before reaching down between his legs, using his thumbs to spread open Shadow Milk before trying to pull him off, Shadow Milk immediately squealing and grabbing Pure Vanilla's wrists, giving him a mean glare.

“Are you crazy?! It's not coming out, just leave it!” His voice felt shakier than he intended it to, whimper pulled out as Pure Vanilla kept pulling at the plug.

“It went in inflated, it can come out inflated. Just bare with it a little.” Pure Vanilla cooed, insisting even as Shadow Milk squirmed and attempted to stop him, clearly not willing to test his theory. The dragon paid him no mind, brows furrowing in concentration before he gave one harsh pull, slipping out with a loud pop, Shadow Milk moaning out in shock before weakly punching his chest, a heated glare directed his way.

“I told you to leave it!” His wrist was grabbed and he was spun and pushed down into the bed, back hitting the mattress with a small huff, blinking up as Pure Vanilla smiled, tail wagging behind him.

“You have your energy back already I see. Good, because I was impatient to see how you felt around the other one.” Shadow Milk blinked before realizing what Pure Vanilla meant, giving a half hearted attempt to stop Pure Vanilla before he was promptly pushed into with the dick that hadn't been in him yet, not even able to make noise as his eyes rolled back, oversensitive pussy already drenching the new intrusion as his mouth fell open. His husband only moaned happily, grinding into him like a dog as he hid into his neck. “So warm still. Like a little furnace. …We should do this every day.”

Shadow Milk immediately shook his head, grabbing at Pure Vanilla's shoulders as he wrapped his legs around his hips, trying to anchor himself somehow as the dragon eagerly began moving. His walls felt stretched out at that point, the push and pull now accompanying obscene squelching as the cum from the previous round was thrust into. It seemed to only encourage the one above, his tail wagging incessantly as he reached down to once again stimulate Shadow Milk, movements somewhat sloppy as he toyed with his clit. Shadow Milk simply squeezed his eyes shut as he moaned, every muscle tense from how oversensitive he felt.

“N-Not again. Just cum again, please!” He attempted to beg, Pure Vanilla mouthing at the junction of his jaw as he happily moaned into his skin, hands grasping at waist and thigh.

“Just one more. With me. I'm so close, love. Please, you can take it.” Shadow Milk shook his head in denial even if he could, legs trembling as Pure Vanilla sped up his thrusts, losing its rhythm and pace as the knot already inflated, this time insistently pressing until it quickly popped inside, now humping and grinding until he loudly moaned, pumping Shadow Milk full of one more load and consequently dragging him over the edge again, his wife soundless as he barely squirted, running dry. Pure Vanilla didn't seem to mind, not taking either of their oversensitivities into mind as he kept gently grinding into Shadow Milk, seeming insistent on pushing his cum as deep as possible.

Shadow Milk's nerves felt shot at that point, not even registering the grinding as he blindly grabbed Pure Vanilla's face, dragging them lip to lip until they finally, finally, properly kissed the first time, lips slotted together as the dragon's tail caused a rhythmic thump-thump-thumping behind him. Pulling away, Shadow Milk took a deep breath, head rolling back as tiredness settled in, legs starting to grow limp before Pure Vanilla started enthusiastically moving his hips back and forth, dragging Shadow Milk back and forth by the plugged knot across the sheets with a grin. Shadow Milk could only give him a tired glance before sighing, simply holding onto his shoulders. Witches be damned for making him smaller and bulliable. He'd get back at this damn lizard some time.

Pure Vanilla simply grinned at him, leaning in to lick the sugar from the berry juice off his lips. It morphed from that to insistently pressing his tongue in until he was pushing it into Shadow Milk's mouth, happily shoving it down his throat as he choked and gagged around it, drool running down both sides of his cheeks. That seemed to only delight the dragon, whose tail's wagging got more intense, hip movement finally tugging a shrinking knot out as he panted. Despite the knot deflating, he was still hard, grinding it against Shadow Milk's clit as his second cock caught on his gaping entrance.

“We'll go five more times with each. I'll make sure you're carrying a whole litter- no, a whole dozen. You're going to pop from how many babies I'm putting in you, love. Gonna breed you like a proper dragon, make sure you're always round with my brood and full of my cum.” Pure Vanilla's excited panted words accompanied a pointed head already slipping in, Shadow Milk simply resigning himself to his very enjoyable fate.

Witches damn these dragons, this treaty was going to kill him.